North Korea: Luxury vessels spotted near Kim Jong Un's summer villa

Satellite imagery analyzed by the BBC and private firms reveals a fleet of luxury vessels operating off the coast of Wonsan, North Korea. The largest ship, measuring approximately 80 meters in length, features a 50-meter swimming pool and multiple water slides.

Between July and mid-October, the vessel was tracked near the Kalma Peninsula, close to a sprawling seaside compound used by leader Kim Jong Un and his family. Three other large vessels, ranging from 50 to 60 meters, were also observed in the vicinity. Experts and former regime officials, such as Ri Jong Ho, suggest these ships are used for seasonal recreation, moving from maintenance facilities in winter to the Wonsan coast in summer.

While official ownership is not confirmed by Pyongyang, analysts note that vessels of this scale and luxury are inaccessible to ordinary citizens. The display of such wealth stands in stark contrast to the reported economic conditions in North Korea, where UN reports indicate widespread food shortages and state control.